The Need For Proper Cargo Lashing

Cargo is moved to one location or another either through air, sea, or road. Different modes of transportation come with different types of shipping hazards as the environment can vary due to the mode being used. Most of the problems occur due to multiple handling of cargo at various points and also due to the mechanical cargo handling equipment being used. Cargo that is improperly secured can cause severe accidents leading to the loss of cargo, lives, vehicles, and may cause environmental hazards if carrying hazardous material. Proper cargo lashing is required to prevent any damage to the cargo during its transit and storage.

Cargo lashing is the securing of cargo for transportation to minimise the shifting during transit. Equipment like ropes, cables, wires, chains, strapping, and nets are used to secure the cargo. This equipment is anchored to the Cargo Transport Unit (CTU) and tensioned against the cargo. Lashing products and methods are governed by regulatory bodies and need to be diligently followed to avoid any mishaps during transportation.

Methods of Securing Cargo

The methods of securing cargo are:

1. Shoring: Involves blocking and bracing to secure cargo from side-to-side movement. By using bars, struts, and spars located in the cargo voids to keep the cargo pressed against the walls or other cargo.

2. Lashing: Usage of ropes, wire, chains, strapping, or netting that are secured to proper anchoring points and tensioned against the cargo.

3. Wedging: By using wooden pieces, pads of synthetic material, inflatable dunnage to fill voids in the cargo and keep it immobile against the container walls.

4. Locking: It is one of the most effective ways to keep your cargo secure. Locking involves the use of mechanical locks present in a load bearer.

One of the best methods to secure your cargo is through the use of lashings. Lashing can be done to both inside and outside of the cargo. There are different types of lashing methods to secure cargo for transportation with each one offering a different type of securing to the cargo.

The three common types of cargo lashing that are used to secure cargo are:

• Chain Lashing

Chains are placed over the cargo to secure it. It can be quickly applied to provide an immediate solution to keep the cargo in place. Sometimes multiple applications of chain lashing are required to secure heavy loads to prevent slipping or moving around during transit.

• Fixed Winches

A type of winch that is attached or welded outside the cargo container. These winches allow for better movement of cargo when being transferred and moved around shipping ports or delivery vehicles.

• Web Lashing

Web lashing is done by putting lashings over your cargo and by using friction to keep them tight and secure. This type of lashing prevents cargo from slipping and tipping over from the transport. Different levels of tension are used when applying lashings, depending on the size and weight of the cargo.

Also Read: All You Need to Know About Cargo Securing and Why It is Important

Lashing provides the best cargo security methods as they ensure that cargo will not move around or get damaged during the transportation process.